What gauge is my MEC 600 Jr

[khmer6]

I think I have myself a MEC 600 jr that a friend gave me after his parents passed away. With dove season coming around the corner, I want to start making some target loads to start off. I am not sure what gauge it is though. For anyone with experience with this system, if its for a specific caliber like 12 gauge, will it do all sizes? 2.75-3.5? How do i know which gauge it is? I've checked the diagram on their website, i notice I am missing the primer cup. Pics to come.

[khmer6]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/pe5e5yry.jpg
Here she is

[runfiverun]

looks 12 guage to me.
it will do 2-3/4 and 3"
there is a bolt on the back side of the red stand at the bottom.
you take that out and raise the rod in the spring up and down.
the top bolt hole is for 3" and the bottom hole is for 2-3/4"
the primer seater cup is common for several of the mec machines.

you'll have to look in the crimp starter to see if it's set-up for 6 or 8 point.
but the insert should be available from mec also.

[khmer6]

Sweet thanks five! Just wanted I needed to feed a couple of new shotguns

[sirgknight]

These are great reloaders. I have three of them (20, 12 and .410). All parts are available from MEC and they are great to deal with. Can't see the top of the bar, but hopefully you have the bottles for the shot and powder. Those are also available in regular and large sizes. If I'm not mistaken MEC still offers a complete overhaul on the press for a very nominal fee. They will go completely through it and replace any needed parts, make adjustments and have it looking as good as new again. Congratulations on a great reloader.

[gmsharps]

Looks you are missing your primer seater that goes in the open hole. That is also available from MEC. These are great machines not really fast but get the hunter and occasional skeet or trap shooter by. If you do many different loads you might want to consider an adjustable powder and shot bar.

gmsharps

[khmer6]

I only see the primer cup and drop funnel missing. The bottles on the top broke when I was in my car

[300winmag]

You can get what you need from MEC.
http://mecreloaders.com/Order/600JrPre82PartsList.asp

[khmer6]

I have the PDF diagram printed and blown up :D

Was there different years these were made that parts aren't interchangeable?

[EDG]

You will find the gauge stamped on the black plate on the base. The plate that positions the cases for the 2 positions on the left side of the press. Parts are pretty interchangable over a long period of years. Some of the older parts like the brass crimp starters actually work better for me than the current plastic designs.

[L Erie Caster]

You have a pre 82 model, some of the parts are not interchangeable. You will need parts 16,17,and 18. You are missing part 19 but any small box will work. I recommend you get an extra part 22 just incase you break one. And bottles since you said they broke. You might want to check that you have the charge bars and bushings you need while you are ordering. Here is the link.

Also looks like part 2 is missing

http://www.mecreloaders.com/Order/600JrPre82PartsList.asp#16

[monkeywrench]

Are you sure it is a 600. It looks identical to my versamec 700.

[khmer6]

Honestly not all too sure what model. I thought it was from looking at their website. But now looking at discontinued models I'm super confused. The model sticker is gone from it. I cant seem to find any numbers or markings on it. MEC wants 65$ an hour to look at it plus parts and shipping.

[L Erie Caster]

Because the wad fingers are pre 82 type it has to be pre 82. The 600jr and Versamec have different bolt types on station 1 “decaping“. Your looks like the 600jr to me.

[khmer6]

I find conflicting information on loading 3.5" on this. Conversion kit no conversion kit, wgars the deal.

[TX.shotgun01]

That is a pre 82 MarkV 12ga I just got one the other day looks just like it, mine has the auto primer feeder on it. This thing is a beast, you can get a 302 118 witch is the 1 1/8oz charge bar for lead shot (great for dove hunting) that has interchangeable powder bushing and it will fit right in it. Good luck with it

[finstr]

I have and use 3 of these loaders in 10,12, and 20ga ( I shoot alot of waterfowl)
The owners manual is available online from MEC. The charge bars I use are an adjustable universal type that makes changing loads a breeze. Also there's some good info booklets available from Ballistic Products that'll help you set it up and give you important tips on loading as well as a ton of supplies.

[khmer6]

i have the 302 118 charge bar already :-) just gotta order the primer assembly. got some shot and wads yesterday. a lot of my powders i currently have are interchangable to shotgun world. unique, titegroup, bluedot. although i wouldn't mind having an 8# jug of promo.
Anyone loading 3" bird shot? Anything I can do to get an advantage on these doves....

[rodok]

My best advice on a advantage on doves is to buy a Mojo dove, it slows them down quite a bit, could probably shoot them with a 410.

Good Luck

[Daddyfixit]

Unlike rifle & pistol, shot gun reloading guidelines should be followed much stricter as far as components go. Much less fudge room matching hull type, wad, primer and powder combo's. Get and follow the guide lines from the powder manufacturers. 1 1/8th oz. #8 should work great. Play safe and try serving with wild rice and enjoy!

[nightal]

Check the charge Bar for Gage,....powder loads, in drams,shot in oz.

[khmer6]

Oh yes. I haven't fussed with any changing of components. From what I have read they can be very unforgiven. Been learning about straight all hulls import hulls, base wads. Nothing like metallic loading. I plan on using clay busters wad as I can get them cheaper. About 6$ for a 500 pack. I was looking into reclaimed shot, for target a it might be of, but I'm not sure for birds. So 40$ OTD for some #8 bird shot.
I have read that winchester primers can be used in place of federal. If the recipe says federal it is safe to use winchester. If it says winchester IT IS Not safe to use federal.
Anyone have input on the statement?